Fiji cane growers plan to sue FSC for losses

The Cane Growers council in Fiji is to go ahead with its decision to pursue compensation from the Fiji Sugar Corporation, the FSC, for millions of dollars over the loss of sugar.

The council's chief executive, Jaganath Sami, says last season, the mills were so inefficient that a lot of sugar that was above par, was lost, and this cannot continue.

He says they'll be formally informing the FSC this week of their decision.

"Under the procedures under the master award, we first write to the FSC asking them to compensate the farmers. Should they refuse to do so, the next step would be to take the matter up with the sugar industry tribunal and there is a conciliation and if there is a deadlock, then a dispute is declared and the matter goes before a public hearing."

Jaganath Sami.

The FSC chief executive and chairman of the board were unavailable for comment.